SPRINGFIELD — A Springfield Police Department K9 named Dusko located a stolen firearm following an attempted armed robbery early Monday, leading to the arrest of a suspect.
Police arrested 31-year-old Joshua Deso around 3 a.m. in a parking lot on the 0-100 block of Leete Street after responding to a gun call on the 0-100 block of Locust Street at about 2:05 a.m.
According to authorities, Springfield Police Real-Time Analysis Center members spotted Deso on a city camera on the 100 block of Main Street and provided the information to officers on the ground.
When confronted, Deso reportedly ignored officers’ commands and attempted to flee on foot toward Leete Street, allegedly pointing a firearm at officers during the chase.
Despite initially gaining distance from the officers, Deso was eventually detained with the assistance of backup.
Further investigation revealed that Deso had allegedly attempted to rob a group of individuals at gunpoint on Locust Street.
After being positively identified by the victims, Deso was taken into custody.
K9 Officer Joshua Dufrane and his partner Dusko subsequently joined the search for the weapon, which Dusko found on a hillside along the path of Deso’s attempted escape.
The firearm was confirmed as stolen property from Burlington.
